Perspective...Life is a Gift

Yesterday afternoon, just moments after I left our local hospital to take a dear friend home, I received tragic news. Three local high school students and a driving instructor were hit on the interstate by a large truck. The first text I got came from my dear friend, DP. He stated that one of his friends was dead. Two others (close friends of ours) were in critical condition. I raced back the hospital, not knowing what would meet me there. I walked through the ED doors and my sweet SG was standing there. I gave her a hug and then noticed in my peripheral that her daughter was standing beside her. She was not in critical condition. Furthermore, our other friend, also the driving school instructor, had already been released. Another student was being checked out in the ED. Sadly, the fourth person in the vehicle, a sixteen year old boy, had been killed. The emotions that we experienced were off the charts. I felt sheer joy to see TG standing beside her mother and to know that TB had been sent home with minor injuries. However, as I was standing there getting my bearings, the family of the deceased young man entered the ED. It was heart wrenching, to say the least. I could not fathom what I would do if I were in her shoes, receiving news that my sweet boy was gone. Oh God, oh God, oh God...

Last night, hundreds gathered at the local high school to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of RV and in honor of his family. The same high school campus where we met just two months ago for Renew. The same place where we felt God's presence fall in a mighty way and where I heard God's voice say, "Salvation is here." I knew then and I know now, despite this tragedy, that hearts are being softened and drawn to the heart of God. I don't pretend to understand why this happened, nor do I want to minimize the unspeakable grief this family is walking through. I ache for those who have lost a precious son, brother, cousin and friend. It was obvious from all the stories that were shared, RV was a ray of sunshine everywhere he went. I pray that each of us will step back and take a look at our lives. Every day is a gift. We do not have the promise of tomorrow. We cannot risk waiting to make things right with God and those we love. I pray that many will come to Jesus through this and open their hearts to receive the hope and healing that only He can bring.

This has caused me, once again, to hug my own sons a little tighter. I spoke words of life over each one, sharing with them the godly character I see in them. Then I said, "I love you. Every day with you is a gift." We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. And, He holds us.